Transit Authority Electrician Steals Boom Lift, Knocks Down Lines

Cablevision is suing Grasman, for damage to their overhead lines.

Mar 13, 2014

A Transit Authority electrician stole a boom lift last August, knocking down power lines and causing power outages to 6,000 customers. Joel Grasman allegedly did $188,500 in damage to lines after he stole the aerial lift in Richmond Hill, Queens and drove it to Long Island, New York.

Now Cablevision is suing Grasman for damage to their overhead lines, according to a report from the New York Daily News. Grasman was charged criminally and is being held on $100,000 bail.

The suit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, names the MTA and Grasman who was allegedly trying to steal tools, the New York Post reported.